Late summer gardening, is it really necessary? Isn’t this the time to sit back, relax and enjoy the results of all your hard work throughout the earlier part of the season? For most gardens (and gardeners!) it is true that this is the time of the season when your kitchen gardens are being harvested and many of your plants and flowers are just starting to look their best. There are, however, a few things that you can (and should!) do now that will help your garden look even better for the rest of the season and (as a double bonus!) leave you better prepared for your autumn gardening chores. Check out a few late summer gardening tips below and make sure to take time and enjoy the space you’ve created!
Late Summer Gardening Tips
- Check to make sure that your plant supports are in place. Late-flowering perennials grow taller by the day and start to get top-heavy as their flowers develop. If necessary add more supports and string to ensure they hold up and can’t be flattened by wind and rain.
- Trim your hedges. Trim back laurel hedges, privet, beech, yew, box and holly. Most conifer hedges can be given a single cut of the year at the end of late summer. Some prefer to do this task in early fall – if you fall into this category assess what you would like to do now.
- Pull up spent plants and set out spinach, kale, broccoli, cauliflower and other cool season crops.
- Continue to harvest regularly. Pick crops regularly to keep plants productive (ie. courgettes and beans).
- Tomato plants should be pinched at the tops as further flowers developing now won’t have the time to form ripe fruit before the fall.
- Order spring-flowering bulbs for autumn planting.
- Start picking your fresh herbs to dry or chop and store in ice cubes in the freezer.
- Keep on top of dead heading your annuals.
- Water your garden as necessary.
- If you are planning on putting in a new lawn this year – get it ready now.